It is true…
That what can save a life …… can also cause side effects and complications.
Ventilators have become a common way to give emergency respiratory assistance to a variety of diagnoses including:
1. COPD/Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations
2. Asthma exacerbations
3. Pneumonia
4. Pneumonia with congestive heart failure
5. Traumas to the chest including multiple rib fractures
6. Traumas to the chest including pulmonary contusions [bruising from forceful trauma such as being slammed against a car steering wheel in a collision
Great care and diligence is taken to monitor ventilator measurements, physical and respiratory measurements, comfort, prognosis and outcomes.
However, any technology is not without risk.
The most well known complications and side effects of mechanical ventilation include:
1. agitation
2. atelectasis
3. decreased cardiac output
4. deep vein thrombosis
5. dysrhythmias
6. fluid retention
7. gastric ileus
8. gastric ulcer/bleeding
9. inability to wean off ventilator
10. oxygen toxicity
11. pneumothorax
12. respiratory acidosis
13. respiratory alkalosis
14. subcutaneous emphysema
15. tracheal damage
16. tracheoesophageal fistula
With my current experience, background and resources in critical care, I can provide you with a detailed chronology, medical summary, case analysis and appropriate resources to help you review and analyze your medical cases.
Call me today… a telephone consultation is a great way to ask me questions!
Helping You Find The Answers
[Original Post 06/07/2015]